Griffin shook his head as he gazed not at the scenery but at the most beautiful woman he’d ever known. He’d never get used to the way she made his heart feel. He’d never believed he would ever feel this way about anyone, but here she was.
“I come out here a lot. Sometimes to think, but sometimes to clear my head. It’s a good place to center yourself. Remember the important things.”
“Yes,” she nodded. “It would be ideal for that.”
She turned so her chair was facing him and then crooked her finger at him, her smile tempting and promising at the same time. His cock was quick to respond to the blatant seduction and he stood and took the few steps to where she was seated.
Kneeling on the floor of the boat in front of her, he cupped her face in his hands and fused their lips together. So good. He let his tongue explore her mouth, no hurry, taking his time. Eventually she would be gone and all he would have were the memories they’d created together. They’d have to be enough to carry him through the next sixty or seventy years.
When they broke apart she sighed, her breath warm and sweet on his face. Her hands slid up his arms and over his shoulders, her blue eyes growing dark with passion. She laced her fingers at the base of his neck and pulled him down to her again. Letting his lips blaze a path across her jaw and to her ear, he busied his hands by slipping them under her oversized t-shirt and caressing the satin skin he found. Her sweet scent tantalized him and he buried his face deeper into the softness of her neck. His cock pressed against the button-fly of his jeans and he had to recite baseball stats to keep from blowing his cool.
Nipping at the sensitive flesh of her earlobe, Jazz moaned and her legs wrapped around his waist. Chuckling at her eagerness, he pressed his jean covered cock against the heat of her pussy. She responded by enthusiastically mimicking his movements until they were both breathless and his dick ached in frustration.
“I won’t let you hurry this, Hollywood.”
Scraping her nails down his shirt-covered back, she groaned and kicked her legs. “Your legendary patience isn’t required at the moment. Fuck me now, Griffin.”
“I promise you won’t have any complaints when we’re done. Just relax and let’s get these clothes out of the way.”
Jazz wriggled with excitement, her face lighting up as together they stripped her shorts, shirt, bra, and panties. She immediately reached for the hem of his shirt, tugging impatiently. If he hadn’t intervened to help, she might have ripped the shirt right off his back.
“Easy, Hollywood. We’ll get there. I need a taste first.”
But her nimble fingers were already plucking at his fly, and he groaned in relief as his cock received some much needed breathing room. Pushing at his jeans, he allowed her to assist in their removal but stayed her hands when she went for his boxers.
She stuck out her lip in the prettiest pout he’d ever seen. But he still wasn’t going to give in.
“You are no fun.” Jazz stuck her tongue out and Griffin’s filthy mind thought of several things that she could do with it. A couple that might shock the hell out of her.
“I’m plenty of fun. But if we let the monster loose, this will be all over in minutes.”
He leaned forward and captured a pink nipple into his mouth and worried the turgid flesh with his teeth until she was writhing and laughing underneath him.
“The monster? That is too funny. Can I call it the monster too?” Her giggling made his heart swell in his chest and he wondered how in the world he would ever get over her when she was gone. He was a slave to making her happy, wanting everything in the world for her.
“You can name him anything you want, honey. He’s all yours.”
Her small hands caressed his cock through the cotton fabric making him choke and cough as he fought for control. Capturing her wrists, he pinned them behind her neck on the back of the chair while using his tongue and teeth to play with her gorgeous breasts. He ran his tongue around a hard nub before leaving a wet trail down and around, tickling the sensitive underside.
“Griffin.” His name was a soft but urgent plea falling from her swollen lips. Shifting his hands, he scooped up her legs and draped them over his shoulders before capturing her wrists again, one in each hand. Jazz was for all intents and purposes pinned to the chair and spread wide for his pleasure.
And pleasure it was indeed. Even in the waning light, he could see her pink pussy, puffy and shiny with her honey, just waiting to be licked. Pushing her legs wider with his shoulders, he drew his tongue through the folds of her slit, up and down, side to side, everywhere but her clit until she was moaning with pleasure and mewling in frustration.
Griffin set a leisurely pace exploring every nook and cranny even as she tried to buck under him, to get his mouth where she needed it most. Her pussy was pouring honey now and the seat, along with her thighs, were glistening with juices.
“I think you like being restrained like this, Hollywood. I think you like being helpless.”
“Asshole,” she hissed but it turned into a strangled moan as he flicked his tongue lightly on her swollen button.
“Naughty girl with language like that. I can keep this up all night long if you’re going to have an attitude,” he chided playfully before running his tongue around her clit. Her hips jerked but he had her firmly held still. Her legs trembling, he knew she was just about to the pinnacle.
“Please, Griffin. Please.”
He couldn’t ignore her begging. Closing his mouth over her clit, he sucked gently even as his tongue fluttered along the side. Her reaction was instantaneous, her body arching, her muscles tightening. When she cried out his name, his cock almost exploded at the hoarse sounds of ecstasy and need.
Not sure he could hold back much longer, he slid an arm under her bottom and lifted her off the chair so he could switch places with her, shucking his briefs on the way. He settled her on his lap with her legs straddling him as he fished in his jeans pocket for protection.
After he rolled it on, he placed his hands on her hips while she braced her feet on the floor of the boat. He helped her rise up and then slowly lower herself down on his painfully aroused cock. Each inch that he gave her pushed him further to the edge of madness until finally he was in to the hilt, her tight hot pussy wrapped snugly around him.
Not ready to move yet, he instead let his hands run up and down her torso, stopping to caress a nipple or brush her already swollen clit. Her hands clung to his shoulders and her fingers dug into the muscles as she thrust her breasts forward and let her head fall back.
There was never a more beautiful sight to behold than this woman at this very moment. The sun had fully set and her body was now bathed in moonlight, the curves and shadows playing a game of hide and seek as they began to move.
Slowly he lifted her up until only the head of his cock was inside of her, and then down until her clit rubbed his groin. Each time she undulated her hips for the maximum contact, driving them both straight to heaven and hell, the rocking of the boat only intensifying the effects.
Sweat broke out on his skin as his thrusting sped up, faster and harder. His breathing grew ragged and the pressure built at the base of his spine. He simply couldn’t hold on much longer.
“C’mon, honey. Let yourself go,” he urged, his words barely audible. Jazz responded by slamming her hips down even harder until her entire frame went rigid and her pussy clamped down on his cock. Jazz’s eyes were closed, her lips parted, her breath coming in pants, and her toes curled.
His dick swelled and jerked as his own orgasm roared through him, the waves relentless. He tried to keep his gaze on her but he couldn’t stop his eyes from squeezing shut and the groan that seemed to come from deep within. Nothing in his life had prepared him for how he felt with Jazz.
His heart pounding against his ribs, he held her close until the cool lake air dried the moisture on their skin. He helped her re-dress without a word and then pulled on his own clothes. There wasn’t much to be said. The only
appropriate words at a time like this were I love you.
Did he have the guts to tell her now? He’d sworn when he’d found her that day that he would but the right moment had never presented itself. Maybe there wasn’t a right moment for something like this. Maybe he would have to create the moment.
All the way back to the dock, he worked up his courage, going over and over the words in his head until they sounded just right. He wanted her to know he loved her but that he didn’t expect her to change her life for him. He respected her dreams but he didn’t know how to say it.
He helped her out of the boat and they walked into the kitchen. A chirping sound made him look around the room in question. It sounded like a cricket.
“That’s my cell.” Jazz reached into her purse that was sitting on the island, the zipper open. The crime lab had released her phone and several others since they’d found no evidence pertaining to Gordon’s case. “It’s my agent. I better call her back.”
Pressing a few buttons, Jazz sat at one of the barstools while Griffin pulled a couple of steaks from the refrigerator for dinner. If things went well, they could eat and still have time for more fun in the bathtub. Or the shower. Or even the bed. He wasn’t a fussy man.
“Hi, Eleanor. It’s Jazz. What’s up?”
Griffon could only hear Jazz’s side of the conversation which was a few “ohs”, “ums”, and “wows.” A sinking feeling started growing in the pit of his stomach and he stopped what he was doing, unashamedly listening in.
“That’s certainly something I should think about. I’ll call you in the morning, okay?”
Jazz hung up her phone and slid it back into her purse. Her eyes wouldn’t meet his as her gaze seemed to dart around the room, landing here and there but never looking directly at him.
“So is everything okay?” Griffin had to say something to break the wall of tension that had quickly sprung up between them. It was accompanied by the tightening of his chest that was making it hard to catch his breath.
“That was my agent.” Jazz traced patterns on the counter with her fingernail, her head down. “I’ve got an offer for a part in a movie.”
The growing knot in his throat made it difficult to speak but he swallowed hard, determined to get the words out. “That’s wonderful. What kind of movie?”
“A romantic comedy. It’s a supporting role. I’d play the lead actress’s best friend. The original actress signed had to pull out due to emergency surgery. They need me on the set Monday.”
That was only three days away. His fingers tightened on the pan he was holding but he somehow managed to smile.
“That’s great news, honey. I guess this was the break you’ve been waiting for. This was why you signed up to do the show.”
He had to congratulate himself on sounding near normal. He didn’t want Jazz to know how much this was killing him inside.
Her happiness came first. He wouldn’t be selfish.
She looked up, conflict clear in her eyes. It was some consolation that she wasn’t doing a dance in his kitchen about the movie offer. She did care for him, he knew that much. But caring and wanting to spend the rest of your life in a small town in Montana were two very different things.
“I told her I would call her in the morning with my decision.”
“Is there a downside to the offer?” he asked carefully as he placed the steaks on the broiler and sprinkled seasoning on the raw meat. “Money? Location?”
“The money’s fine and the location is New York. I’ve never been there before.” Jazz was back to tracing patterns again and not looking at him.
“I’ve never been there either. Like to go someday.”
Griffin slid the broiler pan into the oven and went around to the other side of the island sitting in the barstool next to her, making it difficult for her not to look at him.
“I’m proud of you, Hollywood. I think you’ll do a great job.”
“Gordon said I was just like all the other girls he’d dealt with. Pretty face but little talent.”
“Fuck Gordon Schofield. He’s a fucking murderer who has anger issues with women. I wouldn’t take his word for it, honey. I bet you have talent. I’d wager cash money on it.”
She finally gave him a smile and sat up in her chair. “I think you’re full of shit. What if I screw this up?”
“You won’t. You’ll be amazing. I can’t wait to see you on the big screen.”
She took a deep breath and finally met his gaze. “I’d have to leave on Saturday.”
He refused to make her feel guilty for grabbing this opportunity. “I’ll take the day and drive you to the airport in Billings. You won’t need to worry about renting a car or anything.”
“I guess it’s settled then. I’ll call my agent in the morning and then get a plane ticket.” She hopped up from her seat and peeked into the oven. “I’m starving. I’ll microwave a couple of baked potatoes to go with them.”
He nodded but didn’t answer out loud as she bustled around the kitchen. Watching her every move and trying to imprint it in his memory, he struggled to control the feelings of desolation that swamped him. He’d finally fallen in love but with a woman who couldn’t stay. He needed to step back and give her wings to fly.
He could have asked her to stay but what then? He never wanted her to look at him someday in the future and curse him for ruining her dream.
He’d let her go but make sure she knew he would be waiting right here in case she ever wanted to come back.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Jazz folded her last pair of jeans and placed it in the suitcase open on the bed. Pants were done and now she needed to move on to shirts. She’d been moving in slow motion this morning, dragging her feet.
She should be jumping up and down excited. This opportunity was what she’d worked for, dreamed of. This was her moment. The brass ring was right there all shiny and waiting for her to grab it.
Then why was she so fucking miserable? The thought of leaving Griffin and Hope Lake was tearing at her gut and making her heart ache. Just a few weeks of being here with him and she couldn’t imagine her life any other way. Los Angeles, the smog, the traffic, the empty show business life she’d led held no appeal. The fact was she really didn’t give a shit about this role. Or any other role. Her dream as a child wasn’t her dream as an adult.
Wasn’t that how it was supposed to be? There were sayings about putting away childish things. Her dream of fame and fortune had been the hope of a little girl whose parents didn’t give her any attention or approval. Funny how she didn’t need it anymore. She approved of herself, and that’s what was important.
The singsong ring of her cell phone interrupted her jumbled thoughts, and she smiled when she saw who was calling.
Caitlin.
“Hey, girl. I was going to call you later. What’s going on?”
“I just got your text. Holy shit, you’re going to do a movie with Howard Deals? He’s a great director.” There was excitement in Caitlin’s voice and Jazz wished she could share it.
“Yes, I’m packing now.” Jazz tried to inject some enthusiasm into her tone. “Griffin is taking me to the airport soon.”
“You know it might be the phone connection but you sound like Griffin’s driving you to your own execution. Is something wrong? Don’t you want the part?”
It was honesty time. Caitlin had a world-class bullshit detector so lying wasn’t an option.
“No. No, I don’t. But if I don’t take it, what will I do?”
Jazz fell back on the bed staring at the ceiling and feeling like hell. Her brain was all muddled and she couldn’t seem to think straight in the least.
“Wow, I didn’t expect this. I mean, I knew you were falling for that sheriff guy but this is way out there.”
Jazz could hear the incredulity in Caitlin’s voice. “You could tell? Am I that obvious?”
“Kind of. It was the way you talked about him, I guess. Even before he saved you from Gordon.” The
re was a long pause. “Do you love him?”
“Yes.” Jazz expelled the breath she’d been holding. “I do. But I don’t know if he loves me.”
“Have you asked him?”
“It’s never really come up in conversation.” Jazz rubbed her forehead and pushed the hair off her face. “But here’s the thing. If I’m not an actress, well, then what am I? A waitress? I don’t mind waiting tables, sometimes I really enjoy it, but I always imagined my life doing something creative.”
“That’s not surprising—you’re a creative person, Jazz. But you have other options. You take amazing photos, for example. You also paint and write. I love that script you were working on. I kept saying you should show it to Tony.”
Jazz was surprised Caitlin brought up her now ex-boyfriend. During their last conversation, she’d said she never wanted to hear his name in her presence ever again. Jazz didn’t blame her.
To cover up his own dalliance with another woman, this time one of the crew, he’d provided Gordon with an alibi for Sandy’s murder in exchange for Gordon providing one for him. The fact that Tony hadn’t thought for one minute that Gordon was a killer and that he was simply covering up his own philandering wasn’t the point. Tony was a lying cheating snake. He’d had his dick in no less than two—and who knew, maybe more—women in the last two weeks. Caitlin was well rid of him.
“I wouldn’t tell Tony what time it is,” Jazz said sharply. She hoped Caitlin wasn’t softening her attitude about the jerk.
“Neither would I,” Caitlin assured her. “Although I did talk to him last night. Again. He gave me the usual song and dance about how those women didn’t mean a thing to him but I did. Wow, lucky me. Then I asked him about how he provided an alibi for a serial killer and he blubbered something about needing to keep that woman he was porking a secret and he never in a million years thought Gordon was capable of something like that.”
“I don’t think any of us thought that but we didn’t lie.”
Cowboy Famous: Book 4 (Cowboy Justice Association) Page 24